CHAPTER 15

Xylene’s Point of View

I linger in the hallway, quietly observing the scene in front of me. My twin brother, Michael, is laughing with Chrisnah, their conversation filled with easy banter. From where I stand, I can see every bit of their happiness, but what stands out the most is Michael’s smile—bigger and more genuine than I’ve seen in a long time.

I lean against the cold wall, the memory of a conversation I overheard slipping back into my mind. That night when Michael came home late and quietly spoke to Dad in the dark kitchen. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but once I heard Chrisnah’s name, I couldn’t stop myself.

Michael, my brother—the brother I thought I knew inside and out—confessed something I never expected. He’s in love with Chrisnah. Not just infatuated, not just attracted, but deeply, completely in love.